At least 17 people, including a child, were killed in a brutal attack on a bar in El Empalme, Ecuador, highlighting the country’s escalating violent crime problem. Gunmen in two trucks opened fire on the bar with pistols and rifles on Sunday night, injuring at least 11 others.
According to police chief Oscar Valencia, the attackers shouted “Active Wolves!”, possibly referencing the notorious criminal group Los Lobos, which vies for control of drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and illegal mining operations with Los Choneros.
This incident underscores Ecuador’s struggle with rising crime rates, largely driven by competition for territory and lucrative drug trafficking routes. President Daniel Noboa has responded by pushing for expanded powers for the executive and state security forces, measures that have garnered public support despite concerns over potential abuses. Noboa’s administration has deployed military forces to key areas of unrest and issued emergency decrees to expand the security apparatus.
The recent election, which saw Noboa win a full term, has been marked by debates over security policies. While Noboa’s approach focuses on militarization, his opponent Luisa González proposed community-based crime prevention strategies and social investment to address the root causes of violence.
Key Players in Ecuador’s Security Crisis
- Daniel Noboa: Ecuador’s President, who has prioritized addressing crime through expanded powers for security forces.
- Luisa González: Former assemblywoman and presidential candidate, advocating for community-based crime prevention and social investment.
- Los Lobos and Los Choneros: Rival criminal groups competing for control of illicit activities in Ecuador.
Ecuador’s security situation remains precarious, with a high homicide rate and concerns over human rights violations. The new government’s approach to security will be crucial in determining the country’s future stability.
The recent attack on a bar in Ecuador’s Guayas province, which resulted in 17 deaths, highlights the country’s escalating violence. This incident is part of a larger trend of gang-fueled violence in Ecuador, particularly in areas near major drug-smuggling routes.
President Daniel Noboa has declared an “internal armed conflict” and implemented measures to combat violence, but the situation remains dire, with violent deaths surging 47% year-on-year in the first half of 2025. The government’s response has included approving a reform to grant more legal powers to combat armed groups and dismantle drug-trafficking networks.